- Manchester City were beaten 3-2 by Real Madrid in their Champions League tie
- It was the latest disappointing result in a big game for Pep Guardiola’s side
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is there an agenda against Ange Postecoglou?
Roy Keane has claimed that Man City have struggled to perform ever since they ‘went out on the p***’ after winning the league last season.
City’s struggles took yet another hit on Tuesday night after a late capitulation saw them throw away a lead against Real Madrid and suffer a 3-2 defeat at home.
Pep Guardiola’s side have shown a fragility previously unseen in previous seasons and have particularly struggled in big matches – both domestically and in Europe.
City’s recent 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal, a 4-2 defeat by PSG, a 2-1 loss by Man United and a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord all stick out when thinking back on their big game struggles during the campaign.
Now, former Man United captain Keane has ripped into Guardiola’s side and made the stunning claim that their woes began after their boozy title celebrations last year.
Speaking on latest episode of Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane said: ‘When Manchester City won the league last year, and then Manchester United beat them the week after [in the FA Cup], and they went out on the p*** – which was well documented – before they were poor against Manchester United.
Manchester City suffered yet another disappointing result after losing to Real Madrid
Roy Keane claimed City’s title celebrations last year could be having an impact on their season
The likes of Phil Foden (left) and Jack Grealish (right) partied into the early hours to celebrate their historic title win back in May
‘Have they really performed since then? Have they played any game this year where you’ve thought they are still at it? When was the last big game they won since they won the league?’
After clinching top spot in dramatic fashion last season, City’s stars wasted no time in celebrating a historic fourth consecutive league title by hitting the streets of Manchester.
The merriment bounced from the dressing room into bars and on until 5am at Greek restaurant Fenix, as players brought along their wives and girlfriends for a boozy night.
However, shortly after, City suffered a 2-1 defeat by rivals Man United in the FA Cup final – with some fans attributing it to their boozy celebrations the week before.
City’s heroes only stumbled out of Fenix at 5am, back in May, with the likes of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne looking worse for wear.
While Keane suggested he’s figured out the reasons for their struggles, City defender Nathan Ake admitted that they are struggling to put a finger on their struggles this season.
‘To give it away like that (conceding twice in the last five minutes) is frustrating and hard to take, especially because it’s happened a few times now this season. We haven’t learnt from it yet so we have to do that as soon as possible,’ said Ake.
Asked why it keeps happening, Ake added: ‘It’s difficult. We’re trying to find out why. It’s little things and little details.
Shortly after their title celebrations, City were beaten by rivals Man United in the FA Cup final
The FA Cup final came days after the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (left) partied through until 5am
Erling Haaland poses for a picture following a historic campaign in which he scored 27 goals
‘Some games you can get away with it but in these games, you won’t get away with it because they (Real Madrid) are obviously a top team. The next one is coming thick and fast so we have to make sure we’re ready for that.’
And the 29-year-old admitted it was concerning that Carlo Ancelotti’s side cut through City with ease, with Madrid having 20 attempts and eight on target across 90 minutes.
‘Against these types of players, you’re going to concede chances. They have top players upfront but obviously we have to do better sometimes collectively as defenders and as a team,’ said Ake.
‘Most of the time, we did well to keep them out – Eddy with a few saves, a few tackles here and there. That’s what we have to do again. In the end, we were winning 2-1 but still didn’t win so that’s the main thing’.
Roy Keane was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet
